Iranian authorities released on Wednesday the five British sailors who were detained last week when their racing yacht strayed into Iranian waters. The British Foreign Office confirmed that the sailors were being towed by the Iranian Navy into international waters before making their way to Dubai. The release is being hailed by British officials as a sign that diplomacy with Tehran can work.

The British Foreign Office confirmed the release of the five, who were detained by the Iranian navy on November 25 after going off course while traveling from Bahrain to Dubai. Iranian media also reported their release….

Iranian authorities said the men were released after it was determined their vessel -- the Kingdom of Bahrain -- had accidentally wandered into the country's waters, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported.